The San Diego Zoo named their Interim director Erika Kohler as executive director, who made history as the second woman to hold the position in the institution’s 106-year history.
Kohler was hired as the zoo’s director of operations in 2015 and has worked there ever since, following nearly two decades of experience with the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.
In November, she was named the San Diego Zoo’s interim executive director.
“Erika Kohler has been an invaluable part of the San Diego Zoo's recent success while she worked as a deputy director of operations, and most recently as interim executive director,'' said Paul Baribault, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “She makes everyone on her team better and is committed to our mission. Erika has proven to be a strong leader during times of change with her considered and thoughtful approach, and we are perhaps most honored to be selecting our newest executive director for the San Diego Zoo from within our very own organization.''
As executive director, Kohler will manage the daily operations of all departments, including admissions, transportation, security, education, food service, retail, facilities, animal care, horticulture, entertainment, and events.
She played a critical role in managing zoo closures in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to zoo officials. The zoo has unveiled several habitats this year, including $68 million Africa Rocks in 2017, the $10 million Komodo Kingdom, the Hummingbird Habitat in 2021, and the $88 million Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp in March 2022.
“Being appointed as executive director of the San Diego Zoo is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am honored to formally step into the role,'' Kohler said. "I am excited to continue leading one of the most dynamic teams in wildlife conservation during one of its best moments in history, and continue to create allies for wildlife every day.''
